Best. Red. Lipstick. EVER. : Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick, Rouge Byzantin!

I've managed to stay away from the Chanel Fall 2011 Collection, for the most part. I did cave and purchase the Peridot nail colour and the Khaki Platine liner because they're Limited Edition and gorgeous, but as for the  rest of the collection, I feel I exercised amazing restraint. However, when it came to the Collection Byzance de Chanel, I'm beside myself. I plan to (hopefully) soon own the entire collection, which is something I never, ever, do. 

Of course, when Collection de Byzance came out last week, I was fairly broke and had to limit myself to one item. Those of you who know anything about me will understand how simple the choice was for me: I simply HAD to have the Rouge Allure Rouge Byzantin lipstick. HAD. TO. HAVE. IT. I was certain that my little heart would break if I didn't obtain this gem, and now that I have it in my hot hands, I'm sure I was right. 

Chanel Rouge Allure Rouge Byzantin

Rouge Byzantin is described as "an iridescent cherry red with a hint of sapphire.". Hello??!! Cherry red? Must try. Hint of sapphire? Must See. Another Chanel red lipstick? Okay, so I didn't technically need it, given that I'm already in love with my Rouge Coco Paris (which for some reason I've failed to review thus far), but the allure of an iridescent red touched with sapphire was simply too much for me to resist. 

My package from Chanel arrived beautifully packaged in a black Chanel drawstring bag with 2 deluxe samples of Sublimage Essential Regenerating Cream, which easily offset the cost of shipping in my eyes. I greedily opened the lipstick, and was in awe of what I beheld...one of the most gorgeous reds I've ever seen in my life. And that's saying something, given that I'm a red lipstick connoiseur. 

Here's a shot of Rouge Byzantin in all its glory: 

As you can see, it's a glorious, pink-based blue red with iridescence--and it does, indeed, have just a hint of sapphire. I didn't really buy that claim, but it's there. Just the tiniest hint, mind you, but it's there, and it adds an amazing uniqueness to the color. The iridescence is just that...not shimmer, not glitter, but radiance, so subtle and beautiful, lending depth and dimension and drama to the color, making it like no other red I've ever tried. 

Here's a swatch on my arm, which shows the pink undertones of this incredible color: 

This was taken in indirect sunlight. 

Here's direct sunlight. 

And finally, light shade. 

As you can see, the color holds true in virtually every lighting situation. It never dulls or darkens into something completely unrecognizable the way some shades tend to do. Instead, it remains vibrant and strong no matter what the conditions. 

Finally, here's a shot on my lips: 

In this shot, you can see the blue and pink undertones and the iridescence that makes this red so incredibly unique among its counterparts. 

Rouge Byzantin is a Rouge Allure lipstick, which means it is exceptionally creamy and moisturizing on the lips. The pigmentation is excellent, although not as dense as a typical Rouge Coco...however, it easily becomes opaque with two coats. The color lasts for hours without feathering and leaves a beautiful stain behind that means no "rim around the lips" effect. Stunning! 

Bottom line: If you are a red lipstick afficianada like I am, you may very well need this lipstick. The beautiful color, coupled with the long wear and moisturizing properties of the lipstick make it a true standout among standouts. Of all my reds, this one is the most likely to supplant my beloved Paris as my favorite, although I truly believe that, like with my children, there is room in my heart to love both equally. It creates a perfect, finished look without the need for gloss or other toppers, as well. All on its own, Rouge Byzantin is perfection.